Wilson's Wood-nymph Moth
Common NameWilson's Wood-nymph Moth
Scientific NameCerma wilsonii
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorswhite, dark brown, yellowish-green
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.), other deciduous trees
Flight PeriodMay to July (sometimes a second brood in August-September)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cryptic and feed on the leaves of host trees. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive large white patch on the forewing with its irregular, dark-bordered shape and yellowish-green accents. The shaggy, dark-colored thorax is also a good identifying characteristic.
Description
A small, robust moth with forewings featuring a prominent, irregular white patch bordered by dark brown and yellowish-green lines, and several dark spots within the white area. The thorax is shaggy and dark.
